Our Stories
Read more on our latest insights and news from across the Bank of Ireland Group.
Bank of Ireland appoints Prag Sharma as Chief AI Officer
Taking up his role in October, Prag is an accomplished AI leader with deep technical knowledge and extensive global experience.
At Citigroup he established and led its Global AI Centre of Excellence, delivering end‑to‑end AI‑powered products across 96 countries. Most recently Prag served as Director in Citi Institute’s Future of Finance think-tank and research unit. He has also held various innovation and emerging technologies-focussed roles in industry and academia.
Read more about the appointment.
Bank of Ireland and Google offering 10,000 AI scholarships to SMEs
The new partnership will provide up to 10,000 fully funded Google AI Professional Certificate scholarships to our SME customers at no cost through the ‘Grow with Google’ programme.
The partnership marks a major step in supporting the digital capabilities of Ireland’s SMEs, equipping them with practical tools to harness artificial intelligence (AI) and compete in the digital economy. A new ‘SME AI Academy’ will promote the scholarships on Bank of Ireland’s Thinkbusiness.ie platform. It also features practical guides for SMEs and case studies on early AI adopters.
Enhanced accessibility services rolled out across branches
Bank of Ireland has introduced new measures across our branch network to support customers who may need some extra help with their everyday banking needs.
As part of recent branch upgrades, 37 branches have received neuro-inclusive accreditation with 44 Branches planned by end of this year and the programme will continue into 2027. In addition, new ‘Speak Easy’ communication cards will be available in all 168 branches, enhancing accessibility for customers who experience communication difficulties.
3 ways to protect Irish consumers from fake online ads
Every day European banks monitor billions of euros in transactions. At Bank of Ireland, we look for anomalies, flag suspicious patterns, and enforce strict financial regulations to prevent criminals using the financial services system. We do this every day to protect our customers because the human cost can be devastating and truly life altering.
Consumers can also be tricked into buying goods that don’t exist, from fake concert tickets to cutlery sets. In each case, hard pressed consumers have money stolen from them that they worked hard to earn.
Read the full article in our Press Room
Responsible AI Is a Risk Imperative for Banking
At Bank of Ireland, AI is being adopted to improve efficiency, strengthen fraud prevention capabilities, and enhance customer experiences, while ensuring that human judgement remains central to key decision-making processes.
As AI capabilities evolve, so too do the associated risks.
The principles of Responsible AI are closely aligned with the core foundations of risk management and prudent banking.
Bank of Ireland Launches Ireland’s Benefits Finder Service
This innovative service helps customers identify tax credits and reliefs they may be missing out on. The AI-enabled digital tool is available to customers to use free of charge through the Benefits Finder app on our website.
According to Red C research conducted by the Bank, despite strong awareness of tax benefits, around one in seven people (16%) in Ireland have never claimed tax back and think they could be eligible. Revenue is urging taxpayers to use its systems to claim millions of euro they are owed in refunds.
Bank of Ireland reinforces position as a dementia-inclusive organisation
We are now displaying the ‘Dementia: Understand Together’ symbol across our branch network. Developed with people living with dementia at its core, the symbol signifies solidarity, visibility, and support, helping customers easily identify inclusive spaces.
In addition, we have undertaken a large‑scale awareness session with over 860 colleagues taking part as well as developed a dedicated training course designed to equip colleagues with the knowledge and confidence to better support customers living with dementia and their families.
2026 Bank of Ireland Money Smarts Challenge
Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Bank of Ireland Money Smarts Challenge. Close to 2,000 secondary school students across Ireland took part in this year’s challenge, testing their financial literacy skills and building confidence with money.
A huge well done to our winning schools, students and teachers. We’re proud to support young people in developing positive money habits for the future.
Now in its 7th year, the challenge is an all-Ireland financial literacy quiz for secondary school students.
Almost 3 in 4 think it’s important for banks to train employees in AI
New research conducted by Red C and commissioned by Bank of Ireland has found that nearly three quarters of people believe it is important for banks and utility companies to train their employees in Artificial Intelligence – a clear signal that the public sees workforce development as central to realising the benefits of new technology.
Recognising the growing importance of AI and data literacy across all areas of the business, c20% of Bank of Ireland’s workforce are engaging with or have completed AI or Data Fluency development.
Ireland’s new Youth Mind and Money Report launches
Examining youth attitudes towards finances, happiness and what success means to them with health, job security, and home ownership the top markers of success.
The survey offers a snapshot of how young people across Ireland are feeling about finances, success and their wellbeing. The link between financial control and mental health is clear, with 70% saying that they feel better when their finances are in check.
Early money guidance at home and school important
A nationwide Financial Literacy Score Index, commissioned by Bank of Ireland and conducted by Red C, suggests that early guidance on money at home and in school may contribute to stronger financial confidence in adulthood. While only a quarter of adults recall learning about money in school or college, the findings indicate that those who did are more likely to be financially managing or thriving today.
Ireland’s average financial literacy score is 54% – with just over half of questions answered correctly – according to the survey.
Bank of Ireland cornerstone sponsor at Ireland At MIPIM
MIPIM brings together global leaders in real estate to discuss trends, unlock opportunities, and collaborate on the future of the sector and our team of property finance experts look forward to connecting with attendees throughout the event.
As international institutional capital continues to play an essential role in Ireland’s real estate landscape, we remain committed to supporting customers, partners and investors as the market evolves.
New Research – Neuroinclusion in the workplace
Dublin City University (DCU) published new research aimed at developing neuroaffirmative and inclusive workplace guidelines that support better experiences and outcomes for neurodivergent employees.
Supported by Bank of Ireland, our Inclusion & Diversity team welcome these findings and will use them to further strengthen our commitment to a more neuroinclusive workplace.
AI prevents €9.7 million in potential customer losses
We used AI technology to assess one billion card transactions for fraud in 2025, preventing €9.7million in potential customer losses.
As part of our focus on safeguarding customers from fraud, the Bank deploys advanced AI and machine learning to monitor and assess card transactions in real time. AI technology assesses card transactions and rapidly produces a score that flags the likelihood of the transaction being fraudulent. By utilising these scores, the system decides whether to let the transaction proceed or if it requires additional verification.